The instrument, of course, is important, but the right reed/mouthpiece combination is also essential. I find may young students take the path of least resistance and use a reed/mouthpiece set-up that plays with little effort. This will not…
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The following tips are from a series of articles which I have written for BandWorld Magazine. The first issue on teaching the clarinet started with the March-April, 1996 issue and will continue through the August-September, 1996 issue. To…
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Every successful clarinetist is looking for a sound that is focused, clean, clear, even, rich and has a warmness and depth that will resonate and project to the back of the hall. Most importantly, effective sound production will enable the…
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I always had kind of a weird embouchure and I thought that might be limiting me. So I thought that with a fresh start I would experiment and try to get something more "normal". Thing is, there is still a discrepancy between what feels good…
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To get a feel for this, find a wall that is flat from floor to ceiling. Stand with your back to the wall so that your heels, buttocks, shoulder blades, and the back of your head all touch the wall. Your face must look straight ahead, not up…
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If there is a golden rule that can be applied to teaching low brass it is, "Patience and a slow methodical musical approach is the key to healthy, happy low brass students". What is the single most important physical aspect to the…
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Welcome to the International Trombone Association and International Tuba/Euphonium Association Educator E-member program in collaboration with our friends at www.banddirector.com. We are delighted that you are interested in this program and…
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There are many possible aspects to consider while making a plan on how to improve your tuba and euphonium section-sound, technique, musicianship, even camaraderie. Most of these issues can be directly addressed by forming a regularly…
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We live in a busy world, but brass players, like all musicians, need to set aside sufficient time each day to practice. It lays the firm foundation on which we build our musicianship. By working on what is most important to improve our…
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Many people may not know that the well-known French instrument manufacturer, Buffet Crampon, now owns the Besson brand of Tubas and euphoniums. After a brief hiatus from building instruments, Besson is back and increasing their share hold…
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